Isis relaxing in the doorway of the computer room
This has been a week of catching up, on several fronts. I’ll hit the writing further down, but it’s also been a recovery of energy for me. Last weekend was such a busy one, it really took it out of me, energy-wise, so this week has been a lot of rest until yesterday. Fortunately, my energy levels had improved again by then, because my husband and I hosted a birthday dinner for one of my best friends from college and her partner.
This may not seem like a big deal to many people, but when you’re one of those not gifted with the hostess gene (I’m convinced there’s such a thing), it’s not trivial. Add fatigue to that, and a spouse who normally helps but is hindered by having the use of only one arm… well, let’s say I’m glad I know these friends well enough that I don’t worry that my house wasn’t spotless for them.
Which was great because that left my energy free for food preparation. My college friend went vegan about three years ago, so that involved a bit more planning as far as the menu went. Being vegan is something I can’t imagine doing–just getting enough protein is something many find difficult, but my friend is healthier and more active that she’s ever been in the 25+ years I’ve known her, so that doubles my interest in being supportive of her choice. Meanwhile, her partner, whose birthday was a week before my friend’s, was really looking forward to a good steak.
So while my husband was literally single-handedly grilling steaks, I was grilling Cilantro-Lime Tofu on the George Foreman grill. That’s definitely new to me, as neither me nor my husband like tofu, so we’ve never cooked it. I’d found the recipe a few days earlier and it sounded really good (even to me), so I figured I’d give it a try. My friend scarfed it, so it must’ve been good. 🙂 I tried a bite, and indeed, it wasn’t bad at all. However, the rest of us enjoyed our steaks.
The other somewhat-new thing I fixed was roasted squash. My daughter introduced us to this a few weeks ago, last time she was home. She went to a farm market and bought a butternut squash, and an acorn squash, and fixed the former that night. Yum! We still had the acorn squash, so I did the same with it. There wasn’t much of it, but what there was, was good.
For dessert, my husband had requested apple pie. He loves Mehaffie’s Pies, which are an old Dayton standard, but they don’t list ingredients on their website, and when I researched, I found that most store-bought pies and pie crusts contain lard, whey, or both. So to ensure our pie was vegan, I went back to another old standard–my grandma’s pie crust (aka Classic Crisco pie crust), and made it myself. It was a bit of work, but well worth it–the pie disappeared quickly!
What I read this week: I started The Indie Author Power Pack, by David Gaughran, Joanna Penn, Johnny B. Truant, and Sean Platt. I’m about halfway through the first book, Write, Publish, Repeat, by Truant and Platt, and have already picked up a ton of good ideas to put to use once I ramp up production and get more books out. I believe this is a limited edition, and is currently $.99. If you’re an author–regardless of publishing path–there is a lot of useful stuff in here. Highly recommended.
I’m also reading a novel, but am not far enough in to discuss, so leaving that for next week.
ROW80 Update: My goal last week was to go through my WIP to see what I have, where the new scenes fit in, and what’s still needed. That’s done, and a big relief to see I only need three more new scenes, unless something pops in and surprises me–which would not be a surprise. I also finished the scene I was working on, which only needed a few paragraphs. So this week, I want to get back on track with producing new words, and finish a new scene or 3000 words.
What about you–what new things have you tried lately? Any old favorites you’ve dug out after a long time? Read any good books lately? How are you doing on whatever goals you might have, writing, ROW80, or otherwise? Please share–I’d love to hear from you!
Jennette Marie Powell writes stories about ordinary people in ordinary places, who do extraordinary things and learn that those ordinary places are anything but. In her Saturn Society novels, unwilling time travelers do what they must to make things right... and change more than they expect. You can find her books at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Kobo, iTunes, and more.
Haven’t tried anything new lately. Blogging every day has gone well, and while the morning pages are still a hit-and-miss thing (mostly hit) I’d say that’s going well.
There are all kinds of genes I’m missing, the biggest being the home-repair gene and the gardening gene. Mary also lacks the gardening gene and the interior-decorating gene. Whateer possessed us to buy a house, I’ll never know.
John, you’re doing great with your blogging! LOL–I’m also missing the home repair and gardening genes! Lucky for me, my husband has them.
I ate vegan for two years, but then when I had to eliminate gluten, it just became too restrictive. It can be fun transforming recipes to fit that–sometimes. 🙂 I just tried making acorn squash for the first time last week. I cut them in half and put in a basic corn pudding batter and topped with cheese. I’m definitely going to make it again!
Hope you have a good week. 🙂
I haven’t tried anything new lately, but it sounds like you made a great birthday dinner for your friend;). I’m impressed that you made pie crust from scratch! Mine always turns out soggy on the bottom. I was vegetarian for about two years–I could never do vegan. Now I’m back to eating meat, and I LOVE a good steak. Pan fried tofu is really good, by the way. I love acorn and butternut squash, especially mashed with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon added!
I also bought The Indie Power Pack for.99. Haven’t started it yet, but after reading what you wrote I will soon!
Coleen, I can’t imagine being vegan AND gluten free! Your acorn squash sounds really good. 🙂
Maria, I can’t imagine not eating cheese or ice cream! It’s great for my friend, though. The pie crust wasn’t hard, it’s just the standard Crisco recipe. Yours probably had too much water–what my grandma said was always wrong with hers before she found this recipe. 🙂
I have great admiration for vegans as they carry the principles of no exploitation of animals to the logical conclusion – not for me – def. a carnivore friends used to joke they would be concerned if shipwrecked with me!
I have been entertaining this weekend too with good friend – I like cooking and experimenting and she and I are always discussing new possibilities – tidy house? no – if folk don’t like untidy don’t come:)
have been having major declutter and finally got around to unpacking some boxes so have been re-discovering old favourites amongst ornaments and pictures – bit like a birthday a day:)
It must be the cold weather, but I’ve been trying a lot of new recipes lately. I made cilantro-lime chicken in the slow-cooker, and my husband and I both liked it. I’ve never had cilantro-lime tofu, but we’re both tofu fans (I was a vegetarian for many years), so we might have to try it. Did you find the recipe online?
I recently read “Born Wicked” by Jessica Spotswood and “The Unnaturalists” by Tiffany Trent–both were excellent if you’re looking for some YA reads. I came across “The Indie Author Power Pack” on Amazon but didn’t buy it. Sounds tempting though.
Have a great week, Jennette!
Alberta, love your attitude! And what a great, surprising benefit of decluttering!
Denise, I did find the recipe online – the link’s in the post. Glad you’re finding good stuff to read, too!
Ooh, fresh baked home made apple pie? You go girl! Didn’t save me a piece, eh?
Sorry I’m late to the party, but I just got my hubby home from being in the hospital all week. Another back surgery to remove hardware. Geez, they were huge! Anyway, now the recuperation period. Fun! And that’s why I did post again this week. Errr! Oh well, we can’t do everything Jennette. I hope your hubby is able to use both of his arms soon. Take care and stay warm!
Karen, if you ever get to Dayton, I’ll be happy to make you a pie! And Ouch for your DH – hope he’s feeling better soon. The hardware in my DH’s arm stays there! Thanks for stopping by!